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Snake models from the crocodile case

These beautiful and fragile plaster casts were made by Museum preparatory staff in 1894.

As documented in the Australian Museum Annual Report for 1894, these casts are an important stage in the evolution of our display contents and techniques:

"A new departure with us has already been commenced in the method of displaying our Snakes. In addition to spirit, and in many instances dried specimens, a series of casts, coloured from nature, will be added, taken only from the most typical and largest examples procurable, but also showing variation in colour, and stages of growth. A commencement has already been made with the Australian species".

1 comment

Lynda Kelly -
2.05 AM, 25 May 2011

Wow Vanessa - this is amazing! I feel priveleged to have (almost) broken the tail off! Seriously, this is such an important part of our heritage and thnx for investigating and sharing. Let's think about how to get that info into our interps. Can't wait to see more.